Robots from VEX

The robots supplied for AIM are from VEX Robotics, Inc., a subsidiary of Innovation First International, Inc. The VEX Robotics Design System offer students an exciting platform for learning about areas rich with career opportunities spanning science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). VEX Robotics encourages teamwork, leadership, and problem solving among groups.

In any given class, no two robots will be designed and built alike! This is a tremendous learning opportunity for many students who have been educated in a traditional lecture setting. Students gain confidence in their own mathematical problem-solving abilities as they see their work come to life.

Educational Robotics in the classroom

When a school launches AIM, it receives a shipment that includes the various items required for successful completion of the robotics design challenges students encounter throughout the course. These items are organized into three sub-kits: School Kit, Classroom Kit and Team Kit.

School Kit

The School Kit contains items that make up one competition field and items needed for the challenges.

Team Kit

The Team Kit contains parts needed to build a robot and also includes consumables materials used in a school year. Seven sub-kits comprise the Team Kit. One team kit is recommended for every three students.

Classroom Kit

The Classroom Kit contains items necessary for general use by an entire class and commonly requested spare parts.

The Team Kit is comprised of Sub-Kits

The Team Kit is specifically designed to work in the "space and pace" of a high school classroom. The Team Kit is easily retrieved, parts accessed, and the kit returned to a designated storage area at the end of each class. The Team Kit design saves the teacher enormous time in school year preparation, and keeps students focused on learning - not finding parts!

At the end of the school year, robots are disassembled and the parts are placed back into their respective locations. The teacher can then inventory the kits and order required replacement parts. Only a minimal number of consumable parts should need replacement. Team Kits are designed to last at least five years in high school classrooms.